The Sydney Swans AFLW side has capped its off-season preparations with an emphatic 36-point win over a combined Brisbane Lions and Adelaide Crows outfit today in Adelaide.
A contingent of AFLW-listed players, alongside QBE Sydney Swans Academy talents and state league prospects, travelled to South Australia to play in the practice match before the AFLW pre-season kicks off on Monday, May 19.
Sydney started strong from the outset, with young gun Emma Jeneja and former number one draft pick Montana Ham hitting the scoreboard early to give the side a narrow lead heading into the first break.
Some excellent ball movement and two goals from Co-Captain Lucy McEvoy extended the Swans' lead out to 15 points before the half-time break, while a lift in intensity in the third quarter kept the Adelaide/Brisbane side scoreless while the Swans piled on three more goals.
A nice passage of play saw Cynthia Hamilton tackle her opponent to win the ball, before linking up with tall Giselle Davies to kick her first of three goals for the afternoon.
New draftee Zippy Fish showed her speed in the midfield, in one passage of play the 18-year-old streamed out of the middle and took a bounce before hitting Academy product Ellie Veerhuis on the lead.
Former number one draft pick Montana Ham was at her best, the midfielder providing the highlight of the match in the fourth quarter, taking a stunning run from the backline and taking several bounces before slotting a major to secure the 36-point victory (9.10.64 to 4.4.28).
"I think this period is all about learning and opportunities, to have these games each week and for new girls and the recruits that we've collected this year to come in and have a hit out is just always fun," Ham said.
"I think it's all about just process, these games and taking the learnings from them, and kind of identifying where we lack a little bit, so when we go into the pre-season, we can really work on those areas.
"It's also just about connection and vibes, we had the most fun out here today, so that's all you can ask for."
Reflecting on her fourth quarter goal, Ham credited the work of her teammates to win the ball in defence.
"I guess I was just lucky to get on the end of it, it was all the girls' hard work up the field," she said.
"I mean, the mark and then Lucy's hands and I guess I just saw grass and kept running and I don't know, I just hoped for the best when I kicked it."
Ham said the clash allowed connections to build between the new players and she was impressed by what she had seen from the new recruits.
"We have a good group up and coming, but I guess someone that stood out today was Zippy," Ham said.
"She's been having more opportunity through the midfield and just her ability to read the play and just drive her legs, she's a very agile player, so when she gets her hands on it, it's always exciting.
"Darcy's one of those workhorses that she's always reliable, shows up for her teammates and she's a great addition to the mid, I love working with her."
SYDNEY: 9.10.64
ADELAIDE/BRISBANE: 4.4.28
Official pre-season training is set to begin on Monday, May 19 ahead of the 2025 NAB AFLW season starting in August.
